[there is nothing worse than trying to sing a carol to your child and not knowing the words!! my little one LOVES Deck the Halls, I could remember the lyrics until I got to “troll the ancient Yule tide carol” my version was ‘something something Yule tide carol’ yeah, I know…..doesn’t really flow does it?]

The music to Deck the Halls is believed to Welsh in origin and was reputed to have come from a tune called “Nos Galan” dating back to the sixteenth century. In the eighteenth century Mozart used the tune to Deck the Halls for a violin and piano duet J.P. McCaskey is sometimes credited with the lyrics of Deck the Halls but he only edited the Franklin Square Song Collection in which the lyrics were first published. The first publication date of Deck the Halls is 1881. The author is unknown but the words are said to originate in America.

[I had to find this article today because I’m finally getting my tree up this weekend. Normally, I like to have it up the weekend after Thanksgiving but between traveling, my etsy shops picking up and prepping for a craft show, this is the soonest I could manage. I always thought garland went on last but followed this instruction last year and it went pretty well. The big question is how a 17 month old will act with a decorated tree. I’ll keep you posted!]

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(From About.com)

You’ve chosen your perfect Christmas tree, but now what?

Our tips on the next pages will give you ideas for setting up your tree, lighting it, keeping it fresh, and decorating it to be beautiful.

Keep Your Tree Fresh and Green
Cut the stump of the tree with a fresh cut and set it in water immediately. A fresh-cut tree will absorb several quarts of water right from the start. So it’s important to check and refill the water level several times a day for the first week. You can cut down on frequency later. Be sure to place you Christmas tree in a stand that has a large water reservoir and keep it filled.

Christmas Tree Preservative
You can prolong the life of your Christmas tree by mixing up a concoction of 1 quart water, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon liquid bleach. You can also read information on caring for Christmas trees.

Putting Lights and Decorations on the Tree
When decorating your Christmas tree, put lights on first, then garlands, then the ornaments.

Work From the Inside Out
Start arranging Christmas tree lights on the branches near the base of the tree. Weave strings of lights along the branches “inside,” then move to the outer edges of the branches.

Placement of Ornaments
Don’t hang all your ornament on the tips of the branches. Place ornaments and other decorations ‘inside’ your tree to add depth and interest.

Basic Ornaments for Fill
Start by arranging the “filler ornaments” evenly spaced around the tree. This would include basic solid color balls that are easily found at discount stores in a wide range of colors to coordinate and enhance your decorating scheme. You’ll need about 20 “filler ornaments” for every 2 feet of Christmas tree.

Special Themed, Collectible Ornaments
Mix one-of-a-kind special ornaments between the basic ornaments. Plan to use at least 10 special themed ornaments for every 2 feet of tree. As your collection grows, put the special ornaments closer together.

* 1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
* 2. Knead the flour into the cookie dough until smooth.
* 3. Roll the dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. By hand, or using a Christmas light cookie cutter, cut out shapes.
* 4. With a spatula, gently transfer the cookies to a baking sheet. Using a drinking straw, press a hole at the top of each cookie.
* 5. Bake for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
* 6. Separate different colors of M&M’S® Brand Minis Chocolate Candies, and set aside.
* 7. Spread vanilla frosting on top of each cookie. Arrange a solid color of M&M’S® Brand Minis Chocolate Candies on top of each cookie.
* 8. Let the cookies dry for 30 minutes. Run licorice laces through each hole, connecting the cookies into one continuous strand.

Christmas will never be the same!! Santa and his elves will no longer be able to produce gifts for children under 12 years old due to new toy legislation scheduled to go into effect February 2009.

Please read the following article and write your Congressman and Senators to help save Santa and his elves and all the (responsible) independent toy makers in the United States, Canada and Europe!
http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/

One of my favorite children’s illustrators and blog, Jenny B Harris/allsorts, added this fun activity to her site! Check Out her blog while you’re there! And don’t get too addicted to decorating the house!!